We will keep fighting for all libraries - stand with us!
There is a scarcity of protagonists with disabilities in children’s literature, but one series that has received both critical and popular attention is the Joey Pigza series by Jack Gantos. This paper explores the use of humor in the first book of the series, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key. Drawing on theories of humor by scholars such as David Russell, Julie Cross, and Roderick McGillis, I frame the use of humor, particularly bodily humor, as means of giving a voice to the protagonist as well as critiquing the ideologies around disabilities in education. Ultimately, though, I argue that beyond the critique, the text still reaffirms problematic ideologies about normalcy that undermine the overt critique.
117 Views
2 Favorites
For users with print-disabilities
Uploaded by LLIDS on